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Tag: APC lawmakers

  • APC lawmakers blame governor for House’s invasion

    Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly yesterday blamed Governor Udom Emmanuel for the invasion of the House by suspected thugs.

    The legislators alleged that the governor led a team of security men and youths, who they suspected to be Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs, to the House to dislodge a faction, led by the member representing Essien Udim Constituency, Hon Nse Ntuen.

    Ntuen said following the invasion, he and other lawmakers in his camp were prevented from sitting.

    But, Information Commissioner Charles Udoh dismissed the allegation as “shocking” and “embarrassing”, describing the governor as “a man of peace who abhors thuggery and violence”.

    The governor, who arrived at the Assembly complex about 10 am, amidst tight security, headed for the chambers. The security men who accompanied him allegedly fired gun shots and manhandled members of the Nse Ntuen faction injuring them.

    According to eye witnesses, the factional lawmakers scaled the fence of the House to escape the onslaught by thugs and security aides.

    Sources said the invasion was to forestall a possible impeachment notice on the governor from the APC lawmakers, led by Ntuen faction, suspended 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislators.

    According to the APC lawmakers, the governor, accompanied by some commissioners and aides, ensured that Hon Onofiok Luke’s faction, made up of the remaining PDP members, sat in plenary. He later had a private audience with the embattled Speaker.

    Emmanuel was said to have proceeded to the House after his Commissioner for Works, Ephraim Inyangeyen, had failed to stop the factional members from sitting, having been rebuffed by the factional speaker and his members.

    The Ntuen faction had in their sitting dissolved all the House standing committees, having suspended 11 members.

    The House of Assembly was thrown into a crisis on November 19,  when Speaker Luke declared the seats of six PDP members who had defected to the APC vacant. Luke said he was acting on the provisions of Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, following the decision of an Uyo Division of the Federal High Court, empowering him to declare vacant the seat of Idongesit Ituen (Itu State Constituency).

    The sacked members complained that their cases were pending in various courts, where they had obtained injunctions they served on the Speaker.

    According to the aggrieved lawmakers, the speaker ignored all the pending cases and went ahead to declare the seats vacant.

    The six PDP members who had defected to the APC later that day met in the Legislative chambers and impeached Speaker Luke.

    APC chieftain Obong Michael Udo described the invasion as “despicable, illogical and an unwarranted affront on the separation of power” in a democracy.

    Udo cautioned the governor against throwing the entire state into chaos “in his second term desperation”.

    He said: “Governor Udom Emmanuel should realise that we are practicing a democracy where the rule of law is paramount. He should understand that one action such as the one he embarked on today is capable of throwing the entire state into a needless chaos and anarchy.

    “The reason for laws in any society is to avoid anarchy. The Federal Government should caution Governor Emmanuel to allow the legislature settle whatever their problems may be and not to become part of the problem.”

    But, rejecting the claim by the APC legislators, Udoh said those who invaded the House were suspected APC thugs dressed in military uniforms and protected by the police on the order of the Police Commissioner.

    He said the governor visited the House to restore normalcy as the chief security officer of the state, adding that he has moral and constitutional responsibilities to protect lives and property.

    Udoh said: “Prior to this, 13 APC thugs dressed in military uniforms and armed with AK47 rifles were apprehended by law abiding citizens and handed over to the police. However, it defies logic that these hoodlums were set free without due process of investigations by the Officer in Charge of Quick Response Squad in Akwa Ibom State, Superintendent Abdulkareem Suleiman.”

    “The driver of the vehicle that conveyed the thugs dressed in military uniforms.”

    The commissioner said a section of the perimeter fence of the Assembly complex was pulled down in the night two days ago by suspected APC thugs as a prelude to the invasion.

    He said the governor had explained the situation in the state to reporters at a briefing.

    He added: “Akwa Ibom people are encouraged to remain calm and law abiding while necessary modalities are put in place to bring all perpetrators to book.”

     

  • Afenifere, APC lawmakers condemn killings in Ekiti

    •’Fish out Ojo’s killers’ •Burial today for slain politician

    The Ekiti State chapter of Afenifere and the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the House of Assembly have decried the rising wave of killings in the Fountain of Knowledge.

    They urged security agencies to fish out the killers of the commissioner on the board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) and APC chieftain, Mr. Bunmi Ojo, and others individuals across the state.

    In a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, by its Chairman, Elder Yemi Alade and its Publicity Secretary, Chief Bisi Alade, Ekiti Afenifere condemned what it called “seeming helplessness of the police”.

    Also, the lawmakers, who spoke during a visit to the family of the deceased, through Minority Leader Gboyega Aribisogan, described Ojo’s killing as a “monumental loss to Ekiti State in particular and Nigeria as a whole”.

    Aribisogan was accompanied by the other two APC lawmakers in the Assembly – Sunday Akinniyi (Ikere Constituency II) and Adeniran Alagbada (Ise/Orun Constituency).

    Rising from its emergency meeting in Ado-Ekiti, Afenifere expressed disappointment that the traditional institution appeared incapacitated, like the other security agencies, which ought to have stopped the gruesomeness of the situation.

    It said: “It is the view of Afenifere that the killers are human beings who are supposed to be traceable. They are no spirits, hence all efforts should be made by all who are supposed to do the needful.

    “We seize this opportunity to commiserate with the APC on the murder of one of its shinning stars, Mr Bunmi Ojo, who was until his assassination was the commissioner representing Ekiti on the Federal Character Commission and who had performed excellently well.

    “It was more painful when we heard that his term had even been renewed for another five years. Ekiti Afenifere particularly extends its condolences to the wife, children, family of the deceased as well as one of APC leaders, and former governor, Chief Olusegun Oni, who had a special relationship with late Bunmi Ojo.”

    Aribisogan said Ojo’s death had robbed Ekiti residents, particularly the youth, who are benefiting from his humanitarian assistance from the late politician.

    The Minority Leader said Ojo was an inspiration to his generation and contributed immensely to the upliftment of the youths.

    Aribisogan said: “Ojo used his God-given positions to assist his fellow men. There is no doubt that Ekiti State has lost a rare gem and an illustrious son.

    “The killings and other form of violence in the state have become worrisome. Everything must be done to stem the drift to anarchy.

    “We call on all the security agencies in the state to leave no stone unturned in order to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime.”

    Akinniyi described the murder of the late   as a wicked act from wicked souls adding that God will sure expose the masterminds of the cruel act.

    Also, Ojo’s remains will be buried today after a funeral service at Methodist Church, Ido-Ekiti, headquarters of Ido/Osi Local Government Area.

  • APC lawmakers being tempted with cash to defect, says leader

    •Oshiomhole: problems ’ll be solved

    Aggrieved All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the House of Representatives are being enticed with mouth-watering cash and automatic return ticket to leave the party, House Leader Femi Gbajabiamila said yesterday.

    He spoke during a meeting between APC lawmakers and the National Working Committee (NWC)  led by Adams Oshiomhole.

    Gbajabiamila demanded automatic return tickets for the faithful members to compensate them for theitr steadfastness and broaden the gains of democracy.

    But Oshiomhole said he could not guarantee a return ticket adding that the APC would not impose candidates on their constituents.

    The chairman added that while the party would continue to dialogue with members of the party with genuine grievances, it would not negotiate with those he described as “political mercenaries”.

    Gbajabiamila said it took commitment of the members to the party and its ideology to turn down the tempting monetary offer, stressing that he was confident that the automatic ticket being offered would not be given to those who accepted the offer and defected from the APC.

    He asked the APC chairman to continue to fight for the interest of the lawmakers and do everything within his power to ensure that they are returned to the House in view of the experiences they have garnered over the years.

    He said: “I want to congratulate the party that we are able to heave a sign of relief after what I personally consider an abysmal failure, the attempt to turn APC into a minority party in the House and Senate. The reason why that was not possible is because seated before you is a team committed to the ideals of our party and despite sharing in the grievances of those who have left, remain stead fast.

    “It is because of them and not because of anyone of us in leadership, it is because of them, their commitment and steadfastness that in both chambers of the national assembly and especially in the House of Representatives that we command a clear majority. I emphasize this so that the party can begin to appreciate these members.

    “It is the time to consolidate and stay in touch with our members and keep them close because, this is what I told you Mr Chairman, this is their time, I was on Channels yesterday with the PDP publicity secretary and it made my heart bleed by the way politicians were described in a term analogous to farming. He said this was a harvest time as if it was a harvest of corn, rice and maize.The APC is not for harvest.

    He said a former PDP member who defected to the SDP had now joined the APC.

    “This letter came from Hon. Olamide Oni from Ekiti who about three or four months ago, defected from the PDP to the SDP.

    “He realised that the only party that can serve his interest is the APC. He is now with us.”

    Oshiomhole said the nation must get its politics right, while politicians must learn to have ideology that will drive their electoral process, saying “Until we get there, these musical chairs will continue.”

    He said with the defection of some members, “What has happened is that we are able to establish ahead of time those fair-weather party members who go according to where their pocket will be lined. Some of them are politicians of convenience and I don’t think that if we patch them up now, they can still flow.

    . “Somebody asked if we are going to counter the PDP by offering automatic ticket and I asked, did we serve anybody a departure ticket? If we did not give you a departure ticket, how did the issue of return ticket arise?

    . “My own findings arising from interactions, is that it is true that there are a number of legislators who have some issues with their local forces in their respective states and not arising from the federal executives.

    “Those issues are local and because every politics is local, every solution to political problem should necessarily be local.

    Oshiomhole said to give party members a level-playing ground and to ensure justice and fairness that it decided to use direct primary for the Osun governorship election.

    He said “In other to send clear signals out so that no one person or group can hold the system to ransom, we have tried to revisit our constitution and activate all the clauses that will help us to maintain unity and harmony within the house.

    “I have said that for us to have peace and unity, we must fight for justice and fairness because peace and unity is an outcome of justice and fairness. If you do not address justice, we cannot preach peace because peace cannot be decreed, but the outcome of a process.

    “I said to those who say they are running to PDP that, it is good, that is where you belong. If you left there because you felt that the culture of sharing will be deepened in the APC and you have found that sharing the money is not part of it and you choose to return, good luck to you.

    “But you must realize that the access to CBN has been cut off, the access to NNPC has been cut off, the access to converting defense spending has been cut off and those who have done it are helping security agencies to explain, they are confessing how they share the national treasury and so, you are free to go.”

  • House crisis: APC lawmakers poised for showdown with Dogara

    House crisis: APC lawmakers poised for showdown with Dogara

    • More to reject committee positions

    A fresh crisis is brewing between House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara and some members of his party -All Progressives Congress- in the Green Chamber, this time over the recent constitution of committees in the House.

    Dogara whose emergence as Speaker on June 9 pitched him against many party members   and the APC leadership is accused of conceding too many positions to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the appointment of the committee chairmen and vice chairmen as well as filling the juicy committees with non-APC members.

    They wonder why the Southeast and Southsouth which voted against the party in the last elections should be given as many as 17 chairmanship/10 vice chairmanship positions, and 14 chairmanship/17 vice chairmanship positions respectively.

    Supporters of Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, Dogara’s rival for the speakership, are shouting marginalisation in the constitution of the committees and want a redress immediately.

    Garba Datti Muhammed (Sabon Gari Kaduna) and Sunday Adepoju (Ibarapa East/Ido Oyo State) have already rejected their own appointments.

    Muhammed was named chairman of the Committee on Solid Minerals Development and Adepoju, deputy chairman of the committee on special duties.

    It is understood that more Representatives who are disenchanted with the appointments are warming up to announce their rejection of the positions given to them.

    The angry lawmakers, according to reliable sources, are insisting that the current composition of the committees must not stand.

    The development was confirmed by some House of Representatives members from Kaduna, Lagos, Osun and Edo States, who believe that anything short of the reconstitution of the committees would only enable the minority Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seize control of the House.

    Tempers first rose in the House on October 22 when the committee chairmen and vice chairmen were unveiled.

    In all 194 standing committees were constituted.

    The chairmanship/vice chairmanship positions of the committees were shared as follows:

    • Southwest -Chairmanship 15/Vice Chairmanship 14
    • Southeast-Chairmanship 17/ Vice Chairmanship 10
    • Southsouth- Chairmanship 14/ Vice Chairmanship 17
    • Northwest- Chairmanship 19/ Vice Chairmanship 29
    • Northeast- Chairmanship 13/ Vice Chairmanship 10
    • Northcentral- Chairmanship 16/ Vice Chairmanship 15
    • FCT- Chairmanship 1/ Vice Chairmanship 1

    The House leadership replaced Datti with another lawmaker from his state, Suleiman Samalia, but is yet to react to Adepoju’s decision to reject his appointment.

    Datti and Adepoju are Gbajabiamila’s supporters.

    Muhammed, in announcing his resignation, said he was not consulted before his appointment.

    “I feel as a former principal officer, I should have been consulted before my name was announced. I just heard of it on the floor. And I have my own principles. I have decided on my own to withdraw as the chairman of that committee,” he said.

    For his part, Adepoju said: “It’s nothing personal but we have a duty to ensure that the party we all fought for and succeeded in taking this far should not fail. Conceding key committees to the opposition is another  way of ensuring that the  programmes APC has for this country are truncated.”

    The Nation also gathered that more lawmakers, especially those in the camp of House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, may announce their rejection of committee positions in a move that is meant to express the group’s rejection of alleged attempt by Dogara to sideline APC lawmakers in the day to day running of the Green Chamber.

    Muhammed said it is unacceptable to APC members as  the majority party in the House, to have PDP lawmakers manning the most sensitive committees as announced by the Speaker.

    Other sources said members opposed to Dogara’s are mobilising with the sole aim of ensuring that  the House leadership reviews the committee appointments.

    Gbajabiamila has reportedly been inundated with complaints and he is party.

    He is said to have advised the aggrieved Reps to make their views known to the APC leadership.

    A source said:”we have learnt a big lesson from what happened during the tussle for the Speakership. We are not going to wait endlessly on the party to reject this anomaly.

    “We have decided to move against this obvious impunity. I can tell you that the Majority Leader was not properly carried along in the constitution of these committees. This is against the spirit of democracy.

    “As the majority party in the House, and the party in government at the federal level, we must not make the mistake of being pushed to the position of minor partner in this government. If we do that, then the change we promised the people is threatened. That is why we have resolved to resist this attempt to sideline us in our own government.”

    Another source told The Nation that the APC caucus in the House is reviewing the development with a view to taking a decision.

    “We are meeting by the weekend to discuss the development. We want to hear what actually happened from the principal officers. It is after that we will take a formal position. But as we speak, the popular position is that many of us will toe the line of those rejecting their committee positions,” the source said.

    Gbajabiamila  told reporters on Friday  that contrary to the House  rules, he was not consulted on the selection of the  Committee chairmen by Speaker Dogara.

    His words: “the list speaks for itself. I saw it for the first time at 10a.m., a couple of hours before the announcement was made. This falls short of the consultation with Principal Officers required and mandated by our House rules.”

    The Nation also gathered that the Majority Leader is expected to make a public pronouncement on the development soon. Lawmakers close to him said he is as upset as any of his party men about the treatment meted out to APC lawmakers by the Speaker.

    “I can tell you that the leader will make an official statement on the matter quite soon,” our source said.

  • House crisis: Buhari meets APC lawmakers ahead of resumption

    House crisis: Buhari meets APC lawmakers ahead of resumption

    HEAD of their resumption tomorrow, President Muhammadu Buhari will today have a parley with House of Representatives members elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.

    Details of what to be discussed at the meeting were not given, but the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said the parley will hold at the New Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, by 5pm.

    It is the first time the President will be meeting with all members of the APC in the House of Representatives.

    He had met separately with Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Femi Gbajabiamila, who contested the speakership position but lost in ‘controversial circumstances’ to the former.

    The duo of Dogara and Gbajabiamila will be leading members of their factions to the meeting.

    But there were expectations that the lingering crisis rocking Green Chamber of the National Assembly will be laid to rest at today’s meeting believed to stave off a stormy resumption.

    The lower legislative chamber has been battling with a leadership crisis since its constitution on June 9 following the refusal of members to honour the position of the APC leadership on how to share principal offices.

    On June 23, an attempt by the House to reconvene was disrupted by an attempt by Speaker Dogara to fill the remaining four principal officers with names not recommended by the APC leadership.

    Speaker Dogara had formally written a letter to APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, explaining why he cannot abide with the ruling party’s advice.

    Shehu, confirmed the meeting to State House correspondents yesterday.

    Shehu said: “President Muhammadu Buhari will be meeting with the APC members of the House of Representatives at the new Banquet Hall of the State House on Monday at 5pm.”

    The Presidential spokesman said he had no clue as to what the President will discuss with the lawmakers, pointing out that those invited would be in the best position to state why they have been invited.

  • I won’t seek revenge against APC lawmakers – Fayose

    I won’t seek revenge against APC lawmakers – Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said he would not embark on any revenge mission against the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers over their bid to impeach him from office.

    Describing the last few months as a “very traumatic period for him,” Fayose who spoke in a broadcast on Thursday, said he would not waste his time on revenge but would face the business of governance for which he was elected.

    He commended people of the state for the “unflinching support” accorded him while attempts were made by the APC lawmakers to impeach him.

    The governor hailed his supporters for standing by him with one voice to protect the mandate given him at the June 21, 2014 election.

    The governor said the period of the crises could have been used for the development of the state, adding that with the victory against the attempted impeachment, he would now squarely face the business of governance.

    Fayose promised to fulfill his campaign promises despite the current financial situation, saying the welfare of the people will continue to be his priority.

    His words, “The last few months have been traumatic, especially this week. I was not given room for concentration, but I had left the battle for God to fight.

    “I told those planning to impeach me that they will succeed‎ if they can impeach God.  I did not bring myself back to power, my coming back after eight years is divined.

    “I defeated the APC totally in all the elections, still they did not want to concede victory easily until when Ekiti people rose to defend that June 21 mandate.

    ” I will now squarely face the business of governance. I will not waste time on revenge, I am not ready to muscle anyone since God had given me victory in all of the battles that confronted me.”

     

  • Ekiti: PDP warns APC lawmakers against impeachment

    Ekiti: PDP warns APC lawmakers against impeachment

    The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in Ekiti State against impeaching the state Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose.

    A statement issued on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, threatened to fully mobilise its members to stiffly resist the alleged plot by the APC lawmakers to impeach the governor.

    The party said the move could cause confusion and trigger mayhem as a means of securing political control of the state.

    “The PDP is aware that the outgoing lawmakers are desperate to wreck havoc on the state before the end of their tenure on Thursday as a final attempt in their failed heinous mission to unseat Governor Ayo Fayose,” the statement said.

    The party warned the APC lawmakers to watch their steps and not to take its civility for granted, as it would not hesitate to defend the governor with all force availed by the law.

    “We wish to state in very clear terms that we would not condone any more move by the rejected APC lawmakers to subvert the will of the people of Ekiti state as expressed in the mandate freely given to Governor Ayo Fayose.

    “These outgoing APC lawmakers whose mandates have already been withdrawn by the people should watch their steps and not in any way take our civility and Governor Fayose’s deportment for peace, unity and harmony for granted.

    “We issue this as a final warning. Our members and supporters in Ekiti state are able, willing and ready to defend our mandate using all available instruments granted by the law.

    “We have the capacity and will have no other option unless the APC lawmakers retrace their steps and embrace peace. Enough is enough,” the statement added.

    The party underlined that the position of the Federal High Court on the status of the lawmakers and proceedings of the House regarding the “odious plot” to impeach Governor Fayose was clear, adding that it would not in any way condone or tolerate any move by the APC lawmakers to subvert the course of justice.

    While commending the people of Ekiti state for their courage in standing by Governor Fayose, the PDP urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call the lawmakers to order, especially given the olive branch already extended to them by the governor in the interest of peace and development of the state.

    The party charged security agencies to be on high alert and ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order in the state.

  • Fayose warns APC lawmakers against defying court order

    Fayose warns APC lawmakers against defying court order

    … Police storm Assembly complex, dislodge thugs

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has declared that any attempt to impeach him  by the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers would amount to violation of a valid court order.

    Speaking with reporters at the Government House on Monday following reports that the lawmakers were on their way to hold a sitting at the House of Assembly complex, Fayose warned them against setting the state ablaze.

    The governor said he doesn’t want the blame of the consequences of the “invasion” to be laid at his doorstep.

    Brandishing copies of the court order which ruled that parties in the Assembly leadership suit should maintain status quo ante bellum, Fayose advised the APC lawmakers to respect the order.

    The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/361/2015 was filed by factional speaker Dele Olugbemi and six other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers, while the defendants are the Inspector General of Police, 19 APC lawmakers, Clerk of the House and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He also showed reporters copies of cheques to substantiate his claim that the lawmakers were paid their entitlements.

    Arguing that elections are over, Fayose said the plot to impeach him from office with barely five days to the end of the tenure of the lawmakers portend grave dangers for the state.

    He accused the APC lawmakers of dropping the name of President Muhammadu Buhari in their bid to remove him from office, saying he still enjoys the support of Ekiti people who elected him.

    Fayose said: “They are coming to town claiming that they are removing the governor. This court order says that status quo ante bellum as at 23rd of April be maintained pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.

    “At the time of the order, Omirin was not the Speaker in the face of the law. The court warns that no action should be taken until the case is determined.”

    Meanwhile, more riot policemen have been drafted to the state to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

     

    Suspected thugs have been mobilized to the vicinity of the Assembly complex where they are waiting’for the lawmakers.

    A visit to some parts of the city including the House of Assembly area and adjoining streets by our reporter showed the thugs milling around, standing in groups in some locations.

    Although the thugs were not allowed near the House of Assembly complex by armed policemen keeping vigil in the area, the hoodlums were observing events from safe distance.

    Many police vehicles including pick-up vans and Armoured Personnel Carrier were stationed around the Assembly complex.

    Riot policemen deployed to the area were conducting stop-and-and-search operation and barricaded some portions of NTA Road, State Secretariat Road and the road leading to the Judges’ Quarters.

    The thugs laying siege in the vicinity of the Assembly complex were later dislodged by riot policemen.

     

     

  • Odigie-Oyegun to elected APC lawmakers: join hands with executive to effect change

    Odigie-Oyegun to elected APC lawmakers: join hands with executive to effect change

    •Party denie zoning Senate presidency, speakership

    ALL Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun yesterday told House of Representatives members-elect to brace  for cooperation with the executive arm of government.

    He told the lawmakers that the incoming administration can only deliver on its campaign promises and bring about the promised change under a rancour-free atmosphere.

    Odigie-Oyegun spoke at a retreat organised for APC members-elect   just as the as the party denied media reports that it has zoned the Senate presidency and House of Representatives speakerhip to the Northcentral and Southwest respectively.

    The party chair reminded the lawmakers that the campaigns were over and that the time has come to render service to the people, urging them to join hands with the party in meeting the aspirations of Nigerians.

    According to them, having successfully ran the campaigns and won the election, the onus is for the party to take up the challenge of administering  the country and ensure the realisation of the change it preached.

    “In the spirit of change”, he told his audience, “the party intends to always keep to scheduled time of events as part of its agenda to re-orientate Nigerians on good ethical practices.”

    Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said the party has decided to allow both chambers of the National Assembly to elect their own leaders in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

    According to Tambuwal, the election of the leadership for the legislature has been taken care of by the party’ constitution, assuring that the APC constitution will  promote internal democracy.

    The Speaker noted the principle of internal democracy, which the APC constitution preaches, is recognised by the Nigerian constitution.

    He said: “It (APC constitution) operates under the federal character doctrine as contained in the constitution which states that all sections of the country shall have equitable representation.

    “The APC in the present dispensation will allow the legislators to elect their own leadership and in line with the federal character principle. It should not be taken to mean that the party is not aware of these provisions. We are confident that the constitutional provisions will be given attention”.

    He said lessons should have been learnt from the frosty relationship that existed between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its lawmakers on one hand and the National Assembly and the PDP-led federal government.

    The incoming  APC government should not allow itself to make the same mistake.

    In her lecture, Mrs. Saudatu Mahdi spoke of the need for a legislation on affirmative action on woman participation in governance.

    She said the implementation of much-talked about change  must begin immediately after inauguration on Friday.

    Unless this was done, Nigerians, especially women,  will begin the agitation for positive change in the affairs of the country, Mrs. Mahdi warned.

    Speaking on party supremacy, spokesman of the party Alhaji Lai Muhammed, regretted the often frosty relationship between political parties and their  elected representatives,recalling the busy nature of the party secretariat during nominations. He noted that the secretariat    used to be a beehive of activities, attracting the who-is-who among the political gladiators in their quests to secure nomination.

    He also lamented the near-disdain with which political party leadership is treated by  members after winning elections on the platform of the party.

    According to him, such attitude must not be encouraged for parties to continue to play their expected  leadership role in a democracy.

    The National Secretary of the party, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni countered media reports that the National Working Committee (NWC) met on Monday night and zoned the Senate presidency to the Northcentral and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the Southwest.

    In statement in Abuja, the scribe there was no iota of truth in such claims.was not true.

    The APC scribe said the party was deeply embarrassed by the report which he said was apparently planted in the media to sow the seeds of instability in the party.

    The statement said that “the NWC never discussed the issued of zoning at its meeting. Therefore, the report of its decision on zoning is a figment of the

    imagination of whoever concocted the story”.

    The party said nothing has changed since the President-elect said he is ready to work with anyone from any part of the country who occupies any of the principal offices of the incoming National Assembly, including those of the Senate Presidency and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

     

  • Ekiti: APC lawmakers uncover illegal Assembly inauguration plot

    The 19 All Progressives Congress members of Ekiti State House of Assembly have uncovered a plot to inaugurate the new Assembly four days before the end of their tenure.

    The alarm was consequent upon an announcement on the state radio and television, directing the APC lawmakers to pack their belongings from the Assembly complex to allow for renovation work ahead of June 1 when the government plans to swear in the lawmakers-elect.

    The APC legislators maintained that having been sworn into office on June 6, 2011, their tenure still subsists till June 5, 2015.

    They said any attempt to inaugurate the Fifth Assembly before June 5 amounts to treason.

    They also warned the Clerk of the House, Tola Esan, against being used to stampede them out of office four days before the expiration of their tenure, warning him to desist from the plot.

    The APC caucus also warned the lawmakers-elect, who were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), not to submit themselves to an illegal and treasonable act, saying the consequences would be dire.

    In a statement issued on Friday by media aide to Speaker Adewale Omirin, Wole Olujobi, the APC legislators expressed shock that “a senior civil servant like Esan could not advise the governor and self-styled speaker, Dele Olugbemi, about the consequences of their illegal act if they go ahead to inaugurate another set of lawmakers when the term of the current lawmakers has not expired.”